The Ananga Ranga
Chapter VII - Of Different Signs In Men And Women
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And now to describe the signs and symptoms by which we are to know when women are enamoured of us.
Firstly, that woman loves a man when she is not ashamed of looking at him, and of boldly and without fear or deference
keeping her eyes fixed upon his. Secondly, when she moves her foot to and fro whilst standing up, and draws, as it were,
lines upon the ground. Thirdly, when she scratches divers limbs without sufficient reason. Fourthly, when she leers,
looks obliquely, and casts side glances. Fifthly, when she laughs causelessly at the sight of a man.
And furthermore, the woman who, instead of answering a straightforward question, replies by joking and jesting words;
who slowly and deliberately follows us wherever we go; who, under some pretext or other, dwells upon our faces or forms
with a wistful and yearning glance; who delights in walking before us and displaying her legs or her bosom;
who behaves to us with a mean and servile submission, ever praising and flattering;
who contracts friendships with our friends and who is ever asking them,
"In the house of such and such a person, are there any wives? Does he love them much? And are they very beautiful?"
Who, looking towards us, sings a sweet air; who passes her hands frequently over her breasts and her arms;
who cracks her fingers; who yawns and sighs when not expected to do so;
who will never appear before us, though we call and summon her, unless in her most becoming dress;
who throws flowers and similar articles upon us; who, pretexting various things,
often goes into and comes forth from the house; and finally, whose face, hands,
and feet break into perspiration when she casually sees us; that woman showing any such signs and symptoms,
is enamoured of us, and is strongly excited by passion; all we have to do, if versed in the art of love,
is to send an able go-between.
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The following is the situation which the wise men of old have described as being best fitted for sexual intercourse
with women. Choose the largest, and finest, and the most airy room in the house, purify it thoroughly with whitewash,
and decorate its spacious and beautiful walls with pictures and other objects upon which the eye may dwell with delight.
Scattered about this apartment place musical instruments, especially the pipe and the lute; with refreshments,
as cocoa-nut, betel-leaf and milk, which is so useful for retaining and restoring vigour;
bottles of rose water and various essences, fans and chauris for cooling the air, and books containing amorous songs,
and gladdening the glance with illustrations of love-postures. Splendid Divalgiri, or wall lights,
should gleam around the wall, reflected by a hundred mirrors, whilst both man and woman should contend against any reserve,
or false shame, giving themselves up in complete nakedness to unrestrained voluptuousness,
upon a high and handsome bedstead, raised on tall legs, furnished with many pillows, and covered by a rich chatra,
or canopy; the sheets being besprinkled with flowers and the coverlet scented by burning luscious incense,
such as aloes and other fragrant woods. In such a place, let the man, ascending the throne of love,
enjoy the woman in ease and comfort, gratifying his and her every wish and every whim.
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